Careers in Funeral Care

There’s more to it than morticians

When someone dies, their family mainly interacts with a funeral director while planning their final arrangements. But that’s only one of the many important roles that are involved in helping a family care for and honor a loved one. Each one requires its own set of skills, but they all have something in common: deep compassion for others.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

As mentioned above, the funeral director is the main contact for a family planning a funeral or memorial service and oversees all aspects of the funeral home. They guide families through the decision-making process, educate them about every step, and organize the services and transportation of the body. They also provide consolation and support to grieving family members. Funeral directors prepare the obituary notices, as well as arrange all other required paperwork. In New Mexico, a funeral director is required to complete two years of college, plus mortuary college, and one year of apprenticeship.

EMBALMER

An embalmer does just that—embalms bodies. But they do a lot more than just embalming. They are also responsible for preparing the deceased for funeral services and cremations. They are highly skilled at complex reconstruction to disguise damage to the body, as well as applying make-up to ensure loved ones look at peace and as close as possible to how they appeared in life.

Crematory Technician

This job entails the care, transportation, and cremation of the deceased. A cremation technician also handles the cremated remains and prepares them to be returned to the family of the deceased. They help families fill out the required paperwork and are responsible for light clerical work, as well as making sure the crematory equipment is working properly. This job typically requires a high school diploma or GED.

ADVANCE PLANNING CONSULTANT

An Advance Planning Consultant is in many ways like a funeral director in that they help plan funerals, except they help individuals who are still alive plan their final arrangements months, years, even decades ahead of time. This role requires strong people and communication skills, as well as intimate knowledge of funeral care. They also participate in helping educate their communities about the benefits of preplanning. This role often requires a high school diploma or GED, as well as some experience in office business practice, accounting, or sales.

ADMINISTRATIVE & HUMAN RESOURCES

Just like any other business, a funeral home, crematory, or cemetery needs people to oversee its day-to-day responsibilities, such as payroll and accounting, office management, and marketing and communications. A cemetery employs groundskeepers and gardeners, too.

If you’re curious about funeral care or would like to learn more about openings available at French Funerals & Cremations in Albuquerque, we’d love to chat. Give us a call at 505-843-6333 or apply for a position here.